Champaign, Illinois – Carle Illinois College of Medicine has announced the appointment of new leaders in the college’s Office of Research and Innovation as part of the college’s commitment to growing its research, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CI MED Dean Mark Cohen announced that Dr. Claudius Conrad has been selected to serve as the associate dean for research and innovation effective July 16. Dr. Conrad is a surgical oncologist who is an internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive surgery to treat liver, pancreatic, and biliary tract cancers. He brings a wealth of experience building teams and developing programs in clinical and translational research, as well as for clinical programs and medical education. He currently holds leadership roles at CI MED, Carle Health, and the Cancer Center at Illinois. In this new role, Dr. Conrad will direct the Office of Research and Innovation to advance the vision and growth of research and innovation opportunities and partnerships.
Cohen also announced that Michael Oelze, PhD, who has served this last year as the interim associate dean for research and innovation, has agreed to stay on in the role of interim director of innovation and entrepreneurship, effective July 16. Professor Oelze directs the capstone course at CI MED and has been deeply involved in mentoring students in the college’s research, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs for several years. He is also one of CI MED's Health Innovation Professors. He will serve in this interim role during the search for a permanent director.
Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD, has been selected as the new director for student research effective August 16. Dr. Pappu has served as the interim director for student research for the last several months where she has mentored and engaged many students in research projects and opportunities. Her clinical and research interests are in neurosurgery, neurosciences, spine surgery, and Carle Health’s Brain Tumor Program. In the director’s role, Dr. Pappu will build connections to facilitate research opportunities in the clinic and across campus for CI MED students, including connections with interdisciplinary faculty.
“We’re excited to welcome these outstanding leaders to their new roles at CI MED as they lead, grow, and serve the college as a whole and the Office of Research and Innovation,” Cohen said.